The Phoenix Suns, with a record of 43-31, faced off against the Oklahoma City Thunder, who boasted a 51-22 tally. In an intense matchup at the Paycom Center, the Suns were outscored by the Thunder with a final tally of 128-103.

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - MARCH 29: Jusuf Nurkic #20 of the Phoenix Suns goes for the tipoff against Chet Holmgren #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the game on March 29, 2024 at Paycom Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images)

The game began with high energy as the Suns put up 32 points in the first quarter but were slightly edged out by the Thunder's 34. The second quarter saw a similar intensity, yet it was again in favor of Oklahoma City who extended their lead with an additional 36 points to Phoenix's 27. The third quarter marked a downturn for Phoenix as they managed only 21 points compared to Oklahoma City's commanding performance of putting up another 31 points. Despite efforts to rally back in the fourth quarter where they scored 23 points, it wasn't enough to close down on Oklahoma City’s consistent scoring drive which added another 27 points.

Phoenix showed resilience throughout and managed some impressive statistics despite falling short on scoreline. They recorded six blocks and matched that number in steals while dishing out an admirable total of 26 assists over four quarters. Their shooting from inside was efficient at a rate of about fifty-six percent for two-point attempts but struggled beyond the arc hitting only thirty-two percent from three-point range.

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - MARCH 29: Josh Giddey #3 of the Oklahoma City Thunder drives to the basket during the game against the Phoenix Suns on March 29, 2024 at Paycom Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images)

The team’s effort offensively was evident as they fought hard for every point inside painting their way to forty-four paint points and securing fourteen second-chance points through persistent rebounding efforts which yielded thirteen offensive rebounds.

However, it was clear that defense became an Achilles' heel for Phoenix; they allowed too many easy baskets resulting in fifty-four paint points for Oklahoma City and couldn't contain fast breaks leading to fifteen fast break points against them. This defensive struggle reflected poorly on their efficiency rating which stood at one hundred six compared to one hundred sixty for Oklahoma City.

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - MARCH 29: Jalen Williams #8 of the Oklahoma City Thunder shoots a free throw during the game against the Phoenix Suns on March 29, 2024 at Paycom Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images)

On individual performances, no player fouled out or got ejected from either side indicating disciplined play under pressure despite fifteen personal fouls committed by each team during this high-stakes game.

Looking ahead after this tough outing away from home soil, The Phoenix Suns will next visit New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center on April first at five o'clock PM (US/Arizona). Fans can catch all action live broadcasted on BSNO and AZFamily networks ensuring not miss any moment as their team looks bounce back into winning ways.

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